by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: June 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 27, 2011

When a couple is facing a fertility issue everything they do is put under a microscope to try and help the couple conceive. In theory is should be simple. After all, it only takes one healthy sperm to reach one healthy egg in the right circumstances and the issue is solved. There are many things that affect the chances of conception. Cigarette smoking is one of  things that makes a difference if you are trying to start a family.

Cigarette smoking has a large impact on the ability for the male reproductive system to work efficiently. Smoking decreases the the blood flow to the penis, affects hormone concentrations, and damages the sperm. It creates problems with every facet of a man’s drive and ability to . perform.

When a man smokes there are several chemicals that enter the body. Some of these chemicals collect in the sperm. Sometimes as chemicals breakdown they are also found in higher concentration in sperm. In short, the sperm is polluted with high concentrations of nicotine.

These are just some of the chemicals found in cigarettes:
*Acetone (nail polish remover)
*Benzene (petrol additive)
*Carbon Monoxide (car exhaust fumes)
*Arsenic (rat poison)
*Formaldehyde (embalming fluid)
*Hydrogen Cyanide (gas chamber poison)
*Ammonia (toilet cleaner)
* Tar
*Nicotine (insecticide)

Sperm motility is the ability of spermatozoa to propel themselves through the female reproductive tract. It is a key component in conception.  In smokers are 20 percent less mobile. Sperm density can cause infertility in men.

Cigarette smokers have less ejaculation than those who do not smoke. It difference is greater in heavier smokers than casual smokers. While the direct cause is not known the low volume of ejaculation may be related to the effects of nicotine on the nervous system.  It also may be to do low testosterone concentrations.

The density of smoker’s sperm has been estimated 22 percent to 57 percent less than those of nonsmokers. Sperm density can cause infertility in men.

Men who smoke are more likely to generate sperm that are shaped abnormally. Malformed sperm may contribute to birth defects and spontaneous.

Smoking affects the sex hormones and growth hormones. Men with low testosterone concentrations have a lower sex drive and lower sperm counts. Smoking also has a direct relationship to the frequency and satisfaction of the sex life. None of these things are helpful for sperm count, mobility, and density.

It is clear that tobacco and smoking is bad for the sexual health of men. It has a negative affect with sexual interest, erectile dysfunction, hormones and the general health of the sperm. If a man wants the best chance of having healthy children, it seems clear that he should stop smoking. It should be noted that women have problems caused by tobacco as well.

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